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Haiti Disaster Saddens Adventists!

Posted on Feb 02, 2010

From the Nassau Guardian

Seventh-day Adventists assist with Haiti relief efforts
By Pastor Leonard A. Johnson ~ For The Guardian:

Haiti Disaster Saddens Adventists!

The Seventh-day Adventists throughout The Bahamas, comprising the Bahamas Conference and the North Bahamas Conference, are deeply saddened by the disastrous earthquake that has affected thousands of our Haitian brothers and sisters in Haiti and all Haitians across the globe. The graphic video clips plastered across television screens underscore how fragile life is. Our only hope is in God!

Haiti Disaster Not Necessarily the Disfavor of God
Notwithstanding what has happened to the people of Haiti, Adventists do not view this tragedy as one which places Haiti under the disfavor of God as implied by some. To do so would beg the question, "Why hasn't God punished other nations including The Bahamas where there are definite signs of vice and sin?"

We must be mindful that "bad things happen to good people." God does not always intercept or prevent the course of nature, which includes hurricanes, floods and earthquakes. Yet people must learn to trust in God ever mindful that He loves us all, but sin and its originator have brought about an imbalance in our world as noted in Genesis 3.

Until Jesus comes back to this earth, we can expect disasters of one kind or another, but rest assured, God cares for His people in the church and outside the church. However, this major disaster presents the world with an opportunity to respond and help Haiti in a meaningful way.

Haiti Disaster Represents an Opportunity to Assist
The Seventh-day Adventist community in general, has responded through its established international organization ADRA (Adventist Development Relief Organization). ADRA, which has been on the ground in Haiti before the earthquake took place on Tuesday, January 12, has provided a team of medical personnel from several Adventist hospitals including Loma Linda. Medical supplies, tents for temporary housing and bedding supplies have also been provided. Additionally, ADRA is currently installing water supply systems in that earthquake torn country.

Adventists Respond Locally
Locally, the Bahamas Conference and the North Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (comprising all of the islands in The Bahamas), have spearheaded a drive in all Adventist churches for funds, clothing, bedding and non-perishable food items. The initial responses on the last two Sabbaths, January 16 and 23, have been most encouraging. Approximately $25,000 and bundles of clothing as well as significant amounts of canned goods were collected. The major percentage of the funds collected as well as the other items will be turned over to ADRA shortly.

Also, a monetary contribution will be made to the Red Cross locally to assist relief efforts in general. It is also anticipated that leaders from both conferences along with community services directors, Pastor Paul Scavella and Pastor Roger Moncur, will travel to Haiti as soon as possible. Thanks are extended to all members, persons from the community, and students of Bahamas Academy and Grand Bahama Academy for their contributions.

Thursday January 28, 2010